Indonesians honoured for chopper crash rescue

A survivor of the Sea King helicopter crash which killed nine Australians on the Indonesian island of Nias in 2005 says reuniting with his rescuers is like a meeting with long-lost brothers.

For the first time, four Indonesian men have been awarded Australian bravery medals.

Schoolteacher Benar Giawa was among the four Indonesian men awarded Australian bravery medals at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta today.

Asked if he was brave, Mr Benar said: "Well, I have a little courage, but more than that, a need to help others."

He, along with Adiziduhu Harefa, Motani Harefa and Seti Eli Ndruru, rushed to the aid of Able Seaman Shane Warbuton and Leading Aircraftman Scott Nicholls as they attempted to escape the burning wreckage of a Sea King Helicopter.

At the ceremony, Able Seaman Warburton hugged the men and described seeing them again as being like "a meeting with long-lost brothers".

The helicopter crashed April 2, 2005 as it attempted to distribute medical aid on the earthquake-damaged Indonesian island of Nias.